On Monday night, the New York Yankees will open up a four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels in the Bronx.
The Yankees have lost five games in a row, and are coming off a series where they got swept by the Tampa Bay Rays (in Florida).
Ben Rice has been a bright spot for the team, as he is in the middle of a four-game hitting streak.
On Sunday, he had two hits in their 5-4 loss.
New York Yankees Announce Ben Rice Decision
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees rounds second after a hit against the Miami Marlins during the home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 03, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees defeated the Miami Marlins 8-2.
Despite his recent hot streak, the Yankees have announced that Rice will not be in the starting lineup on Monday night.
Underdog MLB wrote: “Yankees 4/13 P. Goldschmidt 1B A. Judge RF C. Bellinger CF G. Stanton DH A. Rosario 3B J. Chisholm Jr. 2B R. Grichuk LF J. Caballero SS A. Wells C W. Warren SP”
Rice is currently batting .356 with four home runs, 12 RBI’s, 14 runs and one stolen base in his first 14 games.
Talkin’ Yanks wrote: “Ben Rice is not in the lineup tonight. His 1.256 OPS leads all MLB hitters”
MLB Fans React To Rice Decision
GettyAaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates his home run against the Tampa Bay Rays with Ben Rice #22 during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on April 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Here’s what people were saying on social media:
@ctippolito: “Inexcusable.. the platoon should be Wells and Goldschmidt. Against LHP, Rice behind the plate, Gold at 1B. Against RHP, Wells at C and Rice at 1B. Stop the insanity this guy is your second best hitter. Rice needs to be in the lineup everyday”
@TheStandardBL: “Imagine a world in which Ben Rice is in the lineup and Grichuk and McMahon both aren’t… what a concept that would be…”
Eric Hubbs: “Ben Rice isn’t going to learn how to hit lefties if you don’t let him get reps.”
@volpelowlights: “There’s actually zero chance Randal grichuk who has a 0 in every batting statistic except strikeouts is in and Ben rice who has a 1.256 ops is not playing
Yankees Right Now
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees runs during game two of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
The Yankees are tied for the best record in the American League East (8-7).
That said, they are just 3-3 in their first six games played in the Bronx.
Following their series with the Angels, the Yankees will remain at home to host the Kansas City Royals.
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